Author: Wallace

The battle against the coronovirus is not just medical but also psychological. The situation is exacting a mental toil on all of us but we’ve to stay strong and fight on, especially as we’ve got a long battle ahead. My son was displaying some anxiety about the virus. Understandably so, as we adults seem to be discussing it non stop and children get their cues from us. Let us all stay positive and fight this virus together, and refuse to let it drive us apart or make us withdraw and be suspicious of each other. Here’s what we can do: 1. Step up the hygiene game. Wash hands regularly, avoid touching face. 2. Stop sharing horror stories and be positive. 3. Don’t go into lockdown. Avoid gatherings if sick, but do continue social interactions otherwise. Wallace #sgunite

Posted on by Wallace

The battle against the coronovirus is not just medical but also psychological. The situation is exacting a mental toil on all of us but we’ve to stay strong and fight on, especially as we’ve got a long battle ahead. My son was displaying some anxiety about the virus. Understandably so, as we adults seem to[…]

Update on Wuhan Virus: We’re aware that Singapore has just raised the DORSCON level to orange. Please note that we will be doing our very best to adhere to MOH directives and also ensure the safety of our students. 1. We had asked parents to highlight to us previously if their family had visited China in the last two weeks. For your information, none of our students/students’ family had been to China. If you had, please take a compulsory Leave of Absence. 2. We have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our classrooms and have instructed the cleaner to do a deeper clean of the premises. 3. Students’ temperature will be measured before they enter. 4. During this period, parents are to stay outside to reduce the crowding of the school premises. 5. Hand soap is provided at the sink and all students are encouraged to wash their hands before entering the respective classrooms and after the classes. 6. Teachers will be alerted to watch out for students who are unwell. 7. We will continue following the updates closely and follow the lead of MOE’s directives.

Posted on by Wallace

Update on Wuhan Virus: We’re aware that Singapore has just raised the DORSCON level to orange. Please note that we will be doing our very best to adhere to MOH directives and also ensure the safety of our students. 1. We had asked parents to highlight to us previously if their family had visited China[…]

P6 Composition tip: Besides focusing on your conflict and resolution, there are two important aspects that many students ignore. 1) Motive What is the motive of the antagonist? It doesn’t make sense for the kidnapper to kidnap a random child. He could have a feud with the child’s parent or the child’s parent is really rich. Similarly, for the topic competition, if you are writing about a protagonist who insists on going for it even though he’s sick, you have to consider: why is the competition so important to him? Was it to fulfill a dream? Or a promise? 2) Consequence Imagine this scenario for the movie Avengers: Thanos found his stones and happily played five stones. No one would pay to watch this story. Ask yourself this as a litmus test: if my story is made into a movie, would anyone pay to watch it? If the topic is “important task”, ask yourself this: what would happen if the task isn’t fulfilled? If it’s about confronting the bully, what is the bully doing to you? A student wrote that the bully would tickle him. That won’t be much of a bully. ? Try writing a story now using these tips and see if it’s better. #friwritingtips

Posted on by Wallace

P6 Composition tip: Besides focusing on your conflict and resolution, there are two important aspects that many students ignore. 1) Motive What is the motive of the antagonist? It doesn’t make sense for the kidnapper to kidnap a random child. He could have a feud with the child’s parent or the child’s parent is really[…]

Qn: I was in N(T) when I was a student. My mother did not care for my studies. With no one to guide me, I did not do too well academically, partied a lot and only regretted much later in life. Now that I have my own child, I want to make sure he doesn’t follow my footsteps. Thus, I spend a lot on tuition for him but he just doesn’t get it. It’s so frustrating. He is so lucky that there’s someone looking out for him and yet he is not relishing the opportunity he’s given. Answer: 1. There’s nothing wrong in being in N(T). If he needs to learn at a slower pace, so be it. Sure, in reality, there’s the social stigma but that’s something our society in general still has to work on. You have proven that one can do well in life even after going to N(T), so kudos to you. 2. Your focus is on your missed opportunity and you draw parallels with your son and hope that he will not face the same challenges as you. He’s lucky to have a good mother like you. However, perhaps you can also draw another parallel too. You did not like studying. He did not too. Try to empathise this. It’s good that he’s getting all the help he needs but he should not need to fulfill what you could not. It is not fair to him for you to live vicariously through him. Of course, we want the child to do well and want to work hard with him to succeed. However, there’s no need to go into quarrels with him because you were exactly like him at his age. You should be able to put yourself in his shoes. Would you have listened to your mother even if she told you to study? What kind of advice would you have listened to when you were 14? Do that. Look beyond the academics. Find what his strengths are and help him with those too. The Singapore system might not be curated for everyone but it doesn’t mean those who fall between the cracks aren’t brilliant. For his studies, just be more encouraging and try not to have so much negative energy. In these teenage years, be the supportive mother, so he will have a friend/listening ear when he needs one. Hopefully by doing so, this builds the foundation of a fabulous relationship that extends into his adulthood. That’s most important. #thurswithwei

Posted on by Wallace

Qn: I was in N(T) when I was a student. My mother did not care for my studies. With no one to guide me, I did not do too well academically, partied a lot and only regretted much later in life. Now that I have my own child, I want to make sure he doesn’t[…]

To meet demand, we are increasing classes for P6 and S4 classes to help you in this final leg. P6 English Sun 630pm S4 English Wed 730pm S4 Higher Chinese Mon 7pm Separately, if you are looking for small classes to help you conquer the finals. S3/4 Regular Chinese Mon 7pm A Levels General Paper Fri 630pm DM us or contact us at https://ift.tt/2cWZ0aG for further queries. #olevels #psle #alevels #generalpapertuition

Posted on by Wallace

To meet demand, we are increasing classes for P6 and S4 classes to help you in this final leg. P6 English Sun 630pm S4 English Wed 730pm S4 Higher Chinese Mon 7pm Separately, if you are looking for small classes to help you conquer the finals. S3/4 Regular Chinese Mon 7pm A Levels General Paper[…]

Question from a 15 year-old: My mother is panicking with this Wuhan virus outbreak. She doesn’t allow me to go out with my friends now and I feel like a prisoner at home. She is always like this. She doesn’t allow me to go to school by myself and drives me everywhere. She checks my phone and won’t even let me pack my own bag for camping trips as she said I would “definitely mess up.” Going berserk soon. Answer: Hey kid, 1. Reassure your mother She is not wrong to be concerned about the Wuhan virus. Take the necessary precautions such as washing your hands. You could invite your friends over and persuade your mother to let you go to less congested areas. 2. I empathise that your mother is panicky. What you can do: – always reassure her with actions. Show how responsible you are. When you are out, take photos and send her to show her where you are, update her constantly. When you are with your mother (for instance during dinner), avoid using your phone. Your mum is also yearning for some love from you and these actions will ease her anxieties too and help you get more freedom in the long run. To the mother, if you are reading this: 1. I totally understand why you are panicking about the Wuhan virus. Every mother is concerned about her child’s welfare. 2. It is okay to love and care for your son. You are a darling to want to fetch your son everywhere. It is understandable you want to check on his phone usage because they are at an impressionable age. That said, your job is not just to love and care for your son. Your job is not just to tend to his every need but more importantly, make sure he can be self-sufficient. You can’t be packing his bag when he is in NS. You can’t be packing his luggage when he is on his honeymoon trip. (If you are thinking of going along with him, please do not.) When he outlives you, do you want him to be able to fend for himself or be helpless? It’s difficult to let go and you mean well. You are afraid you would be deemed “useless” if he doesn’t need you anymore. Remember: you are his mum, not his helper. It’s not easy but for the good of your relation, you must let go too. #thurswithwei

Posted on by Wallace

Question from a 15 year-old: My mother is panicking with this Wuhan virus outbreak. She doesn’t allow me to go out with my friends now and I feel like a prisoner at home. She is always like this. She doesn’t allow me to go to school by myself and drives me everywhere. She checks my[…]

There is too much fake news on the Wuhan virus. We do not need to spread panic further. Here’s a simple guide on how to spot fake news. Ministry of Education, Singapore Ministry of Health, Singapore

Posted on by Wallace

There is too much fake news on the Wuhan virus. We do not need to spread panic further. Here’s a simple guide on how to spot fake news. Ministry of Education, Singapore Ministry of Health, Singapore from Study Room https://ift.tt/38YnE8b

*Wuhan coronavirus advisory* In light of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, Study Room is stepping up measures to ensure the health and well-being of our students and staff. Students who have traveled to China will be granted a compulsory 14 day Leave of Absence starting from the day after their arrival in Singapore, and will be given a refund for the lessons. None of our teachers had been to China during this period. We will be taking the temperature of all who enter our premises and ask if they have been to China in the last 14 days. If anyone displays flu-like symptoms, cough, shortness of breath and/or fever, he/she will be asked to leave. Parents and caregivers are also advised not to wait around in the premises. Please continue to take precautions and practice good personal hygiene during this critical period. Measures recommended include washing hands frequently with soap, visiting a doctor when sick and only going to school after recovery, as well as wearing a surgical mask if you have a cough or runny nose to prevent infecting others. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have further queries. Warm regards, Wallace and Wei

Posted on by Wallace

*Wuhan coronavirus advisory* In light of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, Study Room is stepping up measures to ensure the health and well-being of our students and staff. Students who have traveled to China will be granted a compulsory 14 day Leave of Absence starting from the day after their arrival in Singapore, and will be[…]

My teenage son doesn’t like going for Chinese New Year gatherings. We get into fights with him and is embarrassed if we can’t force him to go for such meet-ups with relatives. What should I do? Answer: This is a tricky situation. I understand many parents see this as a tradition and as “good Chinese”, we have to fulfill our visiting duties. Let me be the devil’s advocate here. Do not blame him just yet. Ask these few questions. 1) Who are the relatives you are visiting? – If it’s someone you meet often, and you are paying respects to, you can explain to him that traditions aside, this relative has been kind to your family and it’s only right to pay due respects. Logical reasoning would be more effective than forcing someone against his will. – If you only meet the relative once a year, blame yourself first. If the relative is that important, why do you only meet him once a year and not more often? Despite being related by blood, the child would deem the relative as a stranger. Who likes to spend his valuable public holidays/weekends visiting strangers? 2) Is the relative obnoxious? Truth be told, everyone has his fair share of obnoxious relatives. Did the relative say something nasty to him before or probe into his private life unnecessarily? I know of people who believe in following traditions blindly. Simply because they are traditions. Always remember, traditions are created by men. They can be changed. I am not siding with your son, but I am asking you to also look at his perspective. I also understand the merits of teaching respect. Perhaps, you could reach a compromise. Instead of staying at the relative’s house for 10 hours, indulging yourself in mahjong while your son is bored stiff in a stuffy house (yes, please put yourself in his shoes too.), visit for an hour or two. If you need to play mahjong, allow him to leave after an hour. Everyone’s needs are equally important in a family. Let me know what you think. Have a Happy Chinese New Year for those who celebrate it. For our non-Chinese friends, happy long weekend! ☺ #thurswithwei

Posted on by Wallace

My teenage son doesn’t like going for Chinese New Year gatherings. We get into fights with him and is embarrassed if we can’t force him to go for such meet-ups with relatives. What should I do? Answer: This is a tricky situation. I understand many parents see this as a tradition and as “good Chinese”,[…]

Just met up with Caleb as I had promised him a meal if he reached his goal for Chinese. Two takeaways from the meet: 1. If you put in your heart, you can reach your goal. Kudos to Caleb for sprinting at the last lap for PSLE. 2. Being very well read, Caleb engaged me in discussions on world war, the Iranian crisis, the Hong Kong protests etc. With his critical thinking skills, he is sure to do well for secondary school. Happy to catch up with this fine young man! He even promises to help out at our annual charity Halloween party at the end of the year. ❤️❤️ Knowing these kids is the greatest joy of teaching. #studyroomfamily

Posted on by Wallace

Just met up with Caleb as I had promised him a meal if he reached his goal for Chinese. Two takeaways from the meet: 1. If you put in your heart, you can reach your goal. Kudos to Caleb for sprinting at the last lap for PSLE. 2. Being very well read, Caleb engaged me[…]